Introduction
The United States Constitution is more than just a document. It is the building block of this nation; no one would dispute that it is the single most valuable part of our written history. Therefore, when one looks to revise they do it knowing the whole nation will be looking and possibly not willing to change. With that said A More Perfect Constitution by Sabato J. Sabato steps out of the box to take on what issues the US constitution has in today’s world and why the dated version just is not working as well as it could.
Book Summary
Within the book, Sabato goes over a list of ideals he believes to be crucial parts of the constitution that need revising—opening first with revisions to the US Congress and the presidency and offering up ideas and reasoning for each. For example, adding more to the Senate chairs suggesting that there should be 135-136 seats instead of the 100 currently used. He states that it will allow the over populated states a better representation for the entire population. Sabato deliberates on how it is unjust to have equal representation for a state with a large population as with a small population. Wanting the ten most populated states to get an additional two seats, and the fifteen most popular after that to get one more seat. In addition, Sabato indicates that areas without representation should have a right to a seat when they are required to pay taxes, in stating how we are need to recognize “No taxation without representation” and apply it.
Moreover, Sabato believes the District of Columbia needs to have a Senator seat as well. Sabato goes on to request each President of the USA hold a high-ranking seat within the senate calling it a “National Senator” position. He addresses the issue of Presidents with less than exceptional reputations and suggests that if one is impeached they should forfeit their seat as a Senate member. Sabato also proposes the position to be held until their death or personal removal. Moreover, Sabato calls for a non-partisan redistricting of House elections to be a mandate; saying that it will create a more competitive electoral precession.
Furthermore, Sabato contests the length of time for each office position and seat. For example, the House of Representatives terms to be three years and not two—with their elections aligning the presidential elections as well. As well, it is suggested to change the Presidency into a six year one time only term with the possibility of an additional two years. This would make the Presidential election a changing of all seats and positions causing the Senate, House, and President to shift each election cycle. Sabato also wants to leverage impartiality in the House so that there stands a fair representation of members for the population by suggesting a huge increase to the House seats from the current 435 to 1,000 seats. The aforementioned idea anticipates that change will help to bring the House of Representatives closer to their constituents. Furthermore, Sabato requests to bring back the principles of “frequent rotation within the office,” which had been established with our founding fathers.
In addition, Sabato debates the issues of financial responsibility in stating the need for a Balanced Budget Amendment. Sabato insists that this will help to bring a fairness to the future generations not yet elected. Also, Sabato suggests a need to create a better plan for mass replacements in the unfortunate event of large deaths/incapacitation by suggesting a plan of action like the one we have for the President elect in the event of the same. This action should apply to Senate, all of Congress. Sabato moves on to suggest a more distributed power over war and give Congress more power of oversight into the matters of war over the President. He also addresses the highest seat within the US President and suggests opening it up to both men and women not born in the US; but, requiring residency for at least twenty years before moving